It's somewhat disturbing to me to read the latest AP/Ipsos poll which found that 1 in 4 Americans did not crack open a single book last year. Not one. That's 25% of our public that didn't read a single book. Wow. To me, that's fairly stunning. Granted, I know that with television, movies, the internets and all that reading, for some, is lower on the priority list. But a full 25% didn't read one book last year? To me, that's just brutal.

Richard Bustos, a 34-year-old project manager for a telecommunications company, said he hadn't read any books in the last year and would rather spend time in his back-yard pool.

"I just get sleepy when I read."

This man would make George W. Bush proud.

According to the AP/Ipsos poll, the typical avid reader tends to be elderly, Southern, religious and educated. And the typical non-reader tends to be males of lower income who are less religious minorities living in rural areas.

Personally, I can't live without books. I love to read and I read everything I can get my hands on. My reading habits sometimes vary, depending on my mood, I suppose. I have been on a long, long, long non-fiction jag. Lots of political non-fiction to be precise. I know, I'm sure you're all surprised. But I enjoy it. I do still enjoy plenty of fiction as well. Mystery or Crime-Fiction is what tends to hold my attention, though a well written horror piece is certainly engaging. Once in a while, I like to delve into a little Sci-Fi/Fantasy. But I can't live without books. Take away the televisions, DVD players and movie theaters and as long as I have books, I'll be okay. There is something about the printed word that can't be replaced by anything.

So what about you all. What do you make of the AP/Ipsos poll? Why do you think so many people choose to not read? And what are your own reading habits? What type of book do you enjoy the most?

I personally think it's a bit shocking and a lot saddening that so many people choose to not enjoy the wonder and enjoyment books can bring to your life. Books can fire the imagination like little else. Of course, to have that many people not reading in this country certainly does explain some things, I think.

Poll #1043200 Reading Habits
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 29

How Many Books Did You Read Last Year?

How Many Books Have You Read So Far This Year?